The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John Rodney Hettinger (MCSN: 2323783), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 25 September 1967, Private First Class Hettinger’s squad was conducting a combat patrol in the vicinity of Tan My (1), twenty miles south of DaNang. As the Marines were crossing a rice paddy, they were ambushed by a numerically superior Viet Cong force and were pinned down in the open area by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Hettinger unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire and moved forward to a vantage point from which he skillfully delivered accurate M-79 Grenade Launcher fire against the hostile positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, he steadfastly remained in his exposed position and provided effective covering fire while his fellow Marines maneuvered to more defensible positions. While attempting to fire the last of his grenades, he was seriously wounded in the left shoulder by enemy fire and fell to the ground. Ignoring his painful injury, he resolutely regained his feet and, with pinpoint accuracy, delivered the remaining grenade against a hostile position. With his ammunition supply expended, he informed his squad leader of the situation and moved to a position near several of his comrades from which he directed their fire against the enemy. When the Viet Cong launched an assault against the Marine perimeter, Private First Class Hettinger, ignoring the enemy fire around him, fearlessly stood up and fired his pistol at the attackers, inflicting several casualties on the hostile force. Only after the enemy attack had been repulsed and all other casualties were treated did he allow himself to be treated and subsequently medically evacuated. His aggressive fighting spirit and calm presence of mind in the face of grave personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing the Viet Cong from inflicting heavy casualties on his squad. By his courage, outstanding professionalism and unfaltering devotion to duty, Private First Class Hettinger contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.